Resources
SOU Office of Government Relations
2026 Interim Legislative Agenda
The 2026 short session was a difficult environment for higher education in Oregon generally, although SOU walked away with a $15 million allocation to the legislative Emergency Board to help stabilize our cash flow while we transform the university. We are proud of the collaboration we were able to have with legislative leaders and universities across the state, while we recognize there is important work to come.
Leading up to the 2027 legislative session, which is scheduled to start in January 2027, SOU is focused on several key priorities.
Throughout the interim, SOU is committed to:
- Working with the state legislature as well as the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to secure the bridge funding allocated that will ensure operations for the 2026-27 school year.
- Developing and maintaining clear lines of communication between SOU and key stakeholders that include students, faculty, staff, community members, and workforce partners.
- Bringing our commitment to strong collaboration, innovation and accountability to support “the new SOU”.
We are committed to supporting SOU in its work with the Oregon Legislature and other local, state and federal government agencies as the university navigates this challenging time for higher education.
Get Involved!
Between June 15 and 17, Oregon legislators will be returning to the Capitol in Salem to meet in policy forums, including the Legislative Emergency Board. This board will consider recommendations to release up to $15 million to SOU to manage its cashflow and maintain operations through the 2026-27 Academic Year.
Friends of SOU are encouraged to contact legislators to offer support for the release of the funds. Sample messaging and a mailing list can be found here.
Additional Resources
The Importance of Advocacy
Your voice can have a powerful impact on the future. Lobbying and advocacy present important opportunities for individuals to tell their stories and advocate for change. To learn more about the importance of advocacy and some of SOU’s success in the Oregon Legislature click here.
How Tuition is Determined
Tuition prices have grown steadily for several decades. This has made higher education increasingly difficult for students to afford. Just how are these prices set though? Click here for more information on the tuition-setting process at Oregon public universities.
Expenditures and Revenue for SOU
Where does SOU’s revenue come from? And what does it go towards? Here is a general overview of revenues and expenses at SOU.
Legislative Process 101
Wondering who your Southern Oregon legislators are? Curious about the lawmaking process? Click here for a brief overview of the state legislative process.
Higher Education Across the State and Nation
The landscape of higher education is shifting across the nation. As enrollment trends change universities must adapt to improve relevance and efficiency. Southern Oregon University relies on a multitude of reports and data to inform our decision making. Click here to explore critical reports.
Connect with SOU Government Relations
Have questions, concerns, or want to get in contact with us?
Email: govtrelations@sou.edu
Phone Number: 541.552.8840
